Red Bull Salzburg’s much-loved youngster Oumar Solet admits the Premier League ‘excites him’ as Newcastle United and Everton follow the defender
- The defender is open to a move to the Premier League this summer amid interest
- Solet told Mail Sport he is excited to play in England
- Newcastle United and Everton are tracking the defender and could move
Red Bull Salzburg defender Oumar Solet has told Mail Sport he is open to a move to the Premier League this summer amid interest from the English top flight.
The former France Under-20 international is attracting major interest from many European clubs ahead of next season, with Serie A sides Inter Milan and Turin among those keen on the versatile defender.
However, a number of Premier League sides – including Newcastle and Everton – are also following Solet, who admits he is open to a move to England.
“I have a lot of ambitions, to be honest. I’m just on my way – for sure the Premier League excites me a lot,’ the 23-year-old told Mail Sport.
“I think it’s a league I can perform very well in and it can take me to the top. It’s probably the best league in the world. will help me become the best player I want to be.
Oumar Solet admitted a move to the Premier League excited him this summer
The defender has faced English opposition before during his spell at RB Salzburg
Newcastle United and Everton are reportedly interested in the defender this summer
This is exactly what I need for the next step. I am a challenger, a competitor, a winner. I have big ambitions in football and outside of football. I want to be a great player.
“I really want to look at myself in 20 years and be proud of what I’ve done. Let’s see what happens and I’ll give 100 per cent with any team I play with.
“I’m the type of guy who wants to win everything. I know individually what I can bring but I know how to support my teammates. It’s something I’m really proud of. I still need to improve, but I think I’m on track to do so. ‘
Regarding speculation regarding his future, he added, “I know people are talking about the interest I have right now.” But I don’t really pay attention to it. I just want to focus on my game because that’s where I’m the best.
“I try to ignore all the things off the pitch. But obviously it’s a pleasure to get interest from other teams because it means I’m doing a great job.
‘It makes you happy. But it’s not the end, but I have to keep working hard.
Solet’s pace and combative approach has captured the attention of teams across Europe in recent months, while his statistics are among the best for a defender outside the continent’s top leagues.
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His Champions League experience with Salzburg is also a big draw for clubs considering signing him this summer.
“My proudest moments are playing in the Champions League games with Salzburg. What an incredible feeling.
“To play against big teams and we really competed and challenged them. We made it difficult for them. These were incredible moments for me and the team. I hope I can relive moments like that in my career.
‘Because nothing compares. Everyone is watching you – and hearing the Champions League anthem is amazing.”
Solet says he shapes his game on the likes of Mats Hummels, Virgil van Dijk and Thiago Silva – and added: “When you’re a defender you need character and attitude to show that nobody can get past you. “
“I want to impress the strikers, scare them of you. To make them fight. Everything goes together.
“I’m a fast player and I feel like I’m strong. I think I’m a ready player for 1v1 situations – I like to compete with attackers. That’s my mindset.
“For any team, I feel I can bring something with my quality and my intelligence.”